Main description:

This progressive handbook for Chinese medicine students and practitioners looks at gender, physiology, relationships and sexual attraction from the Chinese medicine perspective. Many standard diagnostic and treatment techniques are gender-based and do not work with clients who identify as LGBT or gender/sex/relationship fluid and so these communities are currently often underserved.

Catherine Lumenello accesses the Daoist, Buddhist and Confucianist roots of the medicine and explores the energetic pathways, the Three Treasures and other theories in order to understand the emotional etiology and treatment concerns prevalent within these client groups. The topics covered in the book include transgender issues, asexuality, sex addiction, sexual realignment surgery and polyamory. Incorporating client examples, illustrations, and an assortment of treatment approaches, this book is a radical re-examination of the potential of Chinese medicine.

Contents:

Acknowledgements; Disclaimer; Notes on the Text; Preface; SECTION I:A PRACTICE OF LOVE - Terminology: Basic Definitions; 1. Healing from Within; 2. A Welcoming Practice; SECTION II: THE YIN-YANG OF GENDER - Terminology: Gender Identity & Gender Expression; 3. Negating the Binary; 4. A Spiritual Journey; 5. Special Topic: Transgender Health Concerns; SECTION III: THE SEXUAL JOURNEY - Terminology: Sex, Sexual Identity, & Relationship; 6. Energetic Physiology of Sex; 7. Special Topic: Sexual Health; 8. Attraction & Exploration; 9. Special Topic: Power Exchange; SECTION IV: The Emotional Landscape; 10. Standing Guard: Living in Chronic Fear; 11. Disintegration: The Impact of Emotional Trauma; 12. Being Judged: Guilt & Shame; 13. Tied in Knots: Secrecy & Repression ; 14. Scorching the Self: Desire & Craving; 15. Descent into Darkness: Self-Loathing & Suicide; Appendix I: Five Element Chart; Appendix II: Emotion Chart; Appendix III: Qigong Exercises; References